Gibraltar Monkey HistoryA
popular belief holds that as long as Gibraltar Monkeys exist on
Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule. During
World War II, the population dwindled to just seven monkeys. Sir
Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers be replenished
immediately from both Morocco and Algeria due to this traditional
belief.

A
story tells that Gibraltar is linked to Africa by a subterranean
passage over 15 miles (24 km) which begins at Lower St. Michael's
Cave long under the Strait of Gibraltar.

Legend has it that the Barbary Macaques entered The Rock from
Morocco this way.

The Barbary Apes of Gibraltar, Macaca Sylvanus, are actually
tail-less monkeys and are an unusual and delightful attraction for
anyone visiting Gibraltar or the Costa del Sol. No one is really
sure how the only wild apes in Europe arrived in Gibraltar. The
two most popular explanations as to the appearance of the apes of
Gibraltar is either that they crossed via a subterranean tunnel
from their native Morocco or British sailors introduced them
having picked them up on their travels. Whatever the explanation
they readily adapted to their new habitat and have lived, bred and
been an integral part of Gibraltar for some centuries now.

The Gibraltar monkey population was under the care of the
British Army and later the Gibraltar Regiment from 1915 to 1991,
who carefully controlled a population that initially consisted of
a single troop. An officer was appointed to supervise their
welfare, and a food allowance of fruit, vegetables and nuts was
included in the budget. Births were gazetted in true military
fashion, and each new arrival was named. Following the withdrawal
of the British garrison, the Government of Gibraltar took over
responsibility for the monkeys.

Currently the monkeys are managed by the Gibraltar
Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS) and
veterinarian expertise is provided by the Gibraltar Veterinary
Clinic (GVC). The macaques receive a daily supply of fresh water
and vegetables, fruit and seeds as supplement to natural food
resources (leaves, olives, roots, seeds and flowers).

The animals
are caught on a regular basis in order to check their health
status. Additionally, body size, weight and several other measures
are taken. Finally, the animals are given a tattoo number and a
micro chip as a means of identification. But tattoos are not the
only way to recognise animals. Barbary macaques quite often show
particular marks, scars or spots which can be used as
distinguishing features. All monkeys are photographed and the
pictures together with individual characteristics catalogued.

Once every year, a census is conducted in order to
actualise data and monitor reproductive success of the whole
population. These demographic data are important for the
management of the population generally, but also when it comes to
the point of fertility regulation in selected individuals. Since
Barbary macaque females reproduce well, the population on
Gibraltar is steadily increasing, which in turn puts pressure on
the limited habitat. Population control is therefore an essential
part of effective management of the Gibraltar colony.